Tecia solanivora, a serious biological invasion of potato cultures in South America

Small, greyish and not very spectacular, the lepidopteran, Tecia solanivora Povolny would not be easily noticed were it not one of the most dangerous pests of potatoes in South America. This insect, also known as the Guatemalan moth, is responsible for a serious invasion that started in 1984 in Venezuela and has progressed inexorably towards the south of the continent. As of 2001 the Canary Islands are also infected and it is anticipated that Europe may soon be next. Methods to control this species are presently being sought and the purpose of this note is to identify the reasons for the moth's sudden population explosion. Additionally, a surveillance system usable to predict levels of infection of potato tubers two months prior to harvest is also presented.